The Most Instagrammable Places In Alaska
By Amanda Mesa | Published on March 22, 2022
5 Of The Prettiest Places In Alaska To Take Photos
Most savvy vacation travelers will tell you the best way to visit the most Instagrammable places in Alaska are via cruise; as many of its prettiest places and photogenic sites can only be reached by air or sea. What's more, a cruise to Alaska makes it convenient to snap that perfect shot, since so many itineraries include cruising along spectacular fjords or past calving glaciers.
Already starting to picture yourself posing for the ultimate photo amidst ancient green spruces and towering, snow-capped peaks? We've put together a list of five of the most Instagrammable spots to reveal some of the prettiest places in Alaska, along with tips for how to reach each one and what equipment to bring with you.
1. The Harding Ice Field — Kenai Fjords National Park
Encompassing nearly 700,000 acres of wild, natural beauty southwest of Seward, Kenai Fjords National Parks is one of the best places to take pictures when you are visiting Alaska. You'll find all kinds of unique photo opportunities here, but one of our favorites is the Harding Icefield. The best way to reach it is by following the Harding Icefield Trail, an 8.2-mile hike that begins at the Exit Glacier area. The trail climbs through lush forests dotted with tranquil meadows before yielding spectacular views of the icefield — a sprawling blanket of snow that stretches all the way to the horizon line.
The trail takes about six to eight hours to complete, and the last stretch rises to an elevation of 3,512 feet. If you don't feel up to hiking all the way out to the icefield, don't worry. Even a one-mile ramble along this trail offers plenty of lovely scenery worth capturing.
2. Sitka National Historic Park
3. Tracy Arm Fjord
4. Mount Roberts Tramway
5. Nooya Lake — Misty Fjords National Monument
What Camera To Bring On Your Quest For The Most Instagrammable Spots In Alaska
You now know five of the prettiest places in Alaska to take photos get that perfect shot for Instagram, but there are so many beautiful spots to discover from Juneau to Fairbanks. You don't need much more than a smartphone with a good camera to capture great photos when you visit Alaska, thanks to long days and great natural lighting. That said, there are a few essentials that will make for a more comfortable adventure.
Good hiking shoes: If you visit Alaska in the summer, you won't encounter snow on most lower-altitude trails, but a sturdy pair of hiking shoes or boots are necessary. Terrain can be rough and uneven, and paved roads are rare outside of city centers.
Waterproof gear: Light drizzles are common in Alaska even in the summer, so pack a raincoat and a waterproof bag for your smartphone or camera.
A lightweight, foldable tripod: Bringing a collapsible tripod that's easy to carry around and stow in a backpack is always a good idea. If you are wondering, do I need a tripod, remember it lets you snap full-sized shots and group photos even in remote locations where there's nobody around to play photographer for you and your travel squad.
